Eddie Kingston shares his thoughts after his title win.
At AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, Eddie Kingston defeated Claudio Castagnoli to win the ROH World Championship in a match where Kingston's NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship was also on the line.
In a digital exclusive, AEW shared Kingston's post-match comments. Kingston noted that he doesn't like Castagnoli as a wrestler, but he respects the former champion and the reign he had. He also dedicated his win to John Jirus, better known as former ROH World Champion Xavier, who passed away in 2020.
“I’m in pain. That stage hurts. Claudio hurts every time he hits you. I don’t like him as a human being. But I shook his hand because let’s be honest, he was a great Ring of Honor Champion, and I’ve always said he was a great wrestler. I just don’t like him as a person, and that’s not gonna change. But I can definitely show him that I’ve grown. I’ve grown up. Back in the day, I wouldn’t have shook his hand. I would have spit in his face, and then I would have gloated. But bro, I grew up man. I’ll give him his due and his respect. I’m proud, I’m happy. When I get back to the hotel, I’m not gonna be proud and happy because now I know I gotta defend this championship and this championship. It’s gonna be hard, but I like it. Without struggle, there is no progress. I feel too weird if there is no struggle. But this is dedicated to Xavier, the second-ever Ring of Honor World Champion. Rest in peace, bud. Thank you for everything you’ve done for this business. Thank you for being good to me in the locker room. But this one’s for you, dog. This one’s for you because people should remember who you are. X marks the spot, baby. Love you, X. Rest in peace. I’m good, man. I just wanna go see my parents. We good? New work in this mother," Kingston said.
EXCLUSIVE!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 21, 2023
Our cameras caught up with NEW @ringofhonor World Champion Eddie Kingston, after his historic victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City #AEWDynamite #AEWGrandSlam pic.twitter.com/Py9KroRlpT
Xavier was the second-ever ROH World Champion, as he beat Low Ki to win the title in September 2002. He held the belt for 182 days before Samoa Joe dethroned him in March 2003.
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